One to watch: Antoine Griezmann - France

11:10 - 7 May 2014

After the successful era of Emmanuel Petits and Patrick Vieira, recent major tournaments have seen France fall to a series of lows, seeing a complete breakdown in relationship between their World Cup 2010 squad and coach Raymond Domenach, but a new breed of player could see them fire again.

There isn’t complete optimism across The Channel, as it took a dramatic play-off win over Ukraine to seal their passage to Brazil, but they feel they can once again turn a few heads.

One man who is capable of adding some spark to Didier Deschamps’ side is Real Sociedad winger Antoine Griezmann.

Born in Macon, a young Griezmann was spotted by the Basque club and taken across the border to San Sebastian to continue his footballing education.

A diminutive player, Griezmann was repeatedly rejected by French clubs due to his size, but his agility and low centre of gravity have allowed him to become one of the most feared attackers in La Liga.

He is very clinical, scores a lot of goals and creates a lot of goals. He is equally comfortable on either side and through the middle. On top of that, he is tactically very aware – that's why I called him up.

– France boss Didier Deschamps on Griezmann

After impressing in the youth ranks, Griezmann was eventually handed his first team opportunity in in pre-season 2009, where he proved he was capable of making the step up, being a key member of the side that was promoted to the Spanish top-flight.

Griezmann can cut in from the left-wing to get involved centrally, where he can make difference with his link-up play, but also get round the outside of even the most experienced of top-flight full-backs.

This was one of the key traits in the Txuri-Urdin’s qualification for the Champions League in 2012-13, as Griezmann scored ten goals in La Liga, when he was frequently used as a central striker.

Griezmann is a natural attacker with the flair to go with it, which can cause the Frenchman to leave his full-back vulnerable.

Play as Antoine Griezmann on EA Sports FIFA World Cup on Xbox and Playstation.

Credit: EA Sports

All of his qualities meant it was mandatory for him to receive international recognition, eventually being called up by Deschamps for a friendly against Netherlands in February 2014 – his only cap.

Considering that France also possess Ballon d'Or winner Franck Ribery as a wideman, Deschamps will be confident that his team will threaten down the flanks in Brazil.

It is unlikely that the Real Sociedad man will be a starter in during the summer, but his pace and skill will allow him to have a great influence from the bench, if needed.

Ribery and Griezmann, alongside Samir Nasri will be charged with providing the ammunition for Olivier Giroud or Karim Benzema up top, two natural finishers, who could push France to the latter stages of the tournament.